Current Landscape of Produce Prescription Programs in the US

Abstract

Objective: To understand the design and implementation models of US produce prescription programs.

Methods: In a mixed-methods study, program providers completed an online survey and an individual phone interview regarding their 2019 programming.

Results: Twenty-three programs completed surveys; 20 completed interviews. Program locations included the mid-Atlantic (26%), Northeast (9%), Midwest (30%), Southwest (17%), and Western regions (17%). Although program models varied, programs generally included a health care visit, usually at a safety-net clinic, and nutrition education, typically counseling, advice, or classes. Prescriptions tended to be farmers market vouchers worth a median of $15 a week (interquartile range, $7.81-$20.00). Transportation was a problem for nearly half of the programs.

Conclusions and implications: Current produce prescription program characteristics and operations can serve as a blueprint for new and existing programs. Future research should determine program best practices and the opportunity cost between program standardization and local flexibilities.

Keywords: community health; food aid program; food insecurity; produce prescriptions.